The metropolitan tribunal is the judicial office of the archbishop of this archdiocese. The tribunal interprets and applies the laws of the Church in the protection and vindication of rights as well as the determination of the status of persons in the Church. Although most of its work is resolving questions of marital invalidity, the tribunal may deal with other sacramental matters as well. Tribunal staff members are available to answer questions or to give presentations on the law as it applies to the life of the Church and her members.

Marriage Validity

One of the roles of the tribunal is to examine whether a marriage was a valid bond. If it was between two baptized persons, we examine the facts to discover if the marriage was a valid sacrament.

The tribunal staff includes men and women serving various roles. All the personnel of the tribunal is appointed by the archbishop.

Advocates assist those who want to submit a petition of invalidity to the tribunal.

Associate judges look at the Church's marriage law in relation to the concrete circumstances of two persons who exchanged consent to marriage.

The judicial vicar administers the tribunal in the name of the archbishop.

Should a person want to question the validity of his or her previous marriage/s, he or she works with an advocate to prepare a case to submit to the tribunal. A first step is to complete a preliminary questionnaire offering basic information about the marriage/s in question.

Next, the tribunal officers determine which process will be used to resolve each case. Each process is distinct. For this reason, the tribunal can never provide a certain time frame within which the case will be decided. There is no way of knowing for sure how long each case will take. Should you desire to inquire about a declaration of invalidity, please contact your parish priest or the tribunal for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annulments

What is an annulment?

An annulment is a process that determines if at the time of marriage something was missing in the relationship preventing the marriage from being sacramental.

Who needs an annulment:

Any divorced person who wishes to marry in the Catholic Church and their former spouse is still living needs to look into the possibility of getting an annulment in order to determine if they are free to marry in the Catholic Church.

What is the Catholic View of Marriage?

Marriage is a covenant that a man and a woman establish between themselves, a partnership of the whole of life that is directed toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This covenant has been raised by Christ to the dignity of the sacrament.

What is the difference between a divorce and an annulment?

Divorce is a formal and legal dissolution of marriage under civil law. In essence, it means that the bond that was formed no longer exists. The annulment process is a Church proceeding which examines the bond that was formed under canon law. If the Church annulment is granted, it means that one of the essential elements for a binding marriage was not present at the time of consent (marriage).

What are the essential elements?

Marriage is the living out of sacrificial love. As Christ gave himself for the Church, husbands and wives are called to give themselves totally to each other. Husbands and wives must not only have a clear understanding of the obligations of marriage and be willing to fulfill those obligations but must also be capable of fulfilling those obligations. They must each be of sound mind and freely make their commitment.

Will my children be considered illegitimate?

No, legitimacy does not apply in the case of Church annulments. Children are a gift from God, created in His image and likeness. They are entitled to love and support from their parents as well as from their faith community.

As a divorced and remarried Catholic, may I receive Communion?

No. Receiving Communion is a public statement that one accepts all of the teachings of the Catholic Church, including marriage according to Church laws.

If I am divorced, but not remarried, may I receive Communion?

Yes. A divorced Catholic, in the state of grace, who has not remarried outside the Church and is not living with someone as if married, is in full communion with the Church may receive Communion.

Will my being divorced and remarried outside the Church affect my ability to get an annulment of my prior marriage?

No. The annulment process examines the prior marriage in light of Church teaching. It does not examine the current status of either party.

Must my prior spouse be contacted?

Church law, out of fairness, requires that the former spouse be contacted.

What documents are required?

The sacramental marriage certificate and divorce decree of the marriage in question are needed. If you are Catholic, your baptismal certificate, with notations, issued within the last six months, is also needed.

How do I start the process?

Contact our office. Please contact information below.

What do I do if I have additional questions?

If you have any questions, please contact our office. We are dedicated to serving you and be assured of our sincere desire to help. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.